Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes raises thousands of pounds for ‘significant’ Peterborough charity

One of our region’s leading philanthropic organisations has donated a hugely impressive sum of money to a Peterborough charity.

Members of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes (ROAB) in the Peterborough area were thrilled to present Sue Ryder with a cheque for £7,500 earlier this week.

Accepting the gift, Cheyenne Smith of Sue Ryder said:

“We are really grateful for this splendid donation to Sue Ryder Care.”

Cheyenne also passed on huge thanks from her team for “all the work the Buffs did on our behalf last year.”

Martyn Sharp, who was chief officer of the Peterborough Province in 2023, explained how the RAOB – known informally as the ‘Buffs’ – managed to raise such a considerable amount.

“Over 2023, the Lodges raised money in a variety of ways including a barbecue, hog roast and several fish and chip ‘extravaganzas’ (which include bingo),” he said.

“Much of the cash was raised by individual members in raffles and the like, with a significant contribution by one member in particular, Pete Pierce.”

Martyn added:

“Pete had a stall at the Fun Farm car boot sales in Spalding throughout the year, and [he] alone made over a quarter of the sum total of our efforts.”

The RAOB is a nationwide fraternal movement which started in 1822.

Despite its grand name, the organisation’s remit is straightforward: to be a social group for its members and to do good in the community.

The RAOB Peterborough Province (district) currently has five ‘Lodges’ across our region: in Farcet, March, Bourne, Stamford and in Peterborough itself.

Our local Buffs have carried out extended fundraising campaigns for various good causes over the years.

Indeed, many local schools, charities, animal shelters and other beneficiaries have benefited from the tens of thousands of pounds the generous members have raised.

Martyn told the Peterborough Telegraph why they decided to help Sue Ryder in 2023:

“I chose Sue Ryder as our supported charity because I wanted something that is significant to so many people, and something that – with its links to the Thorpe Hall Hospice – has a local connection.”

You can learn more about the the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes and their fundraising work by visiting www.eastgatelodge.co.uk